In brief: Bill would stop new wind farms

BOISE – An eastern Idaho lawmaker has introduced a bill calling for a two-year statewide moratorium on industrial wind-energy projects.

Republican Rep. Erik Simpson, of Idaho Falls, said the moratorium is needed to give officials time to study the ramifications of the projects on the state’s economy, the environment, and on energy bills received by consumers.

Simpson said the moratorium is a common-sense approach to what he describes as an out-of-control problem in the state.

Randy Gardner of Ridgeline Energy said a moratorium could cause wind energy companies to look for opportunities in other states.

If the bill became law it wouldn’t halt wind energy projects already under construction or that have permits.

Trucker gets life for 2003 rape

BOISE – A Florida long-haul trucker who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping an Idaho woman in 2003 has been sentenced to life in prison.

The two life sentences were handed down Friday by 4th District Court Judge Timothy Hansen to Hans Holsopple, 47, of Deltona, Fla. He pleaded guilty to first-degree kidnapping and rape in October.

Prosecutors say Holsopple’s son, Douglas James Steinemer, also participated in the kidnapping and rape. The 27-year-old man from Deltona, Fla., has pleaded not guilty, and his trial was set for July 5.

“There is no excuse for what my son and I did to you. I did not plan to hurt you or anyone else,” Holsopple said at the sentencing hearing. “I am sorry. I do accept responsibility – not just for that night, but for everything else (the victim) and her family have been through.”

Police say the father and son were implicated in January 2010 after the national FBI DNA database identified Steinemer, who named Holsopple as an accomplice.

Park Service seeks bids for Stehekin

STEHEKIN, Wash. – After receiving only one incomplete bid to operate a lodge, restaurant, general store and other concessions in Stehekin, the National Park Service decided to sweeten the deal, and try again.

The new prospectus will be available on Tuesday, and Park Service officials will provide a tour of the facilities on May 17. Bids must be submitted by July 12.

“This is a tremendous business opportunity,” said Parks Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “It looks like it would pencil out for people to be able to make a profit. I really encourage people to take a look at it,” he said.

Jenkins stressed that the Stehekin Landing Resort continues to operate through this summer, and reservations are available through Oct. 31.